Why Your Title Tag Still Matters (And How to Make It Work Smarter)

By Casey Barnett

What’s in a title? Everything.

The title tag might seem like an old-school SEO element, however it’s still one of the most powerful tools in your on-page strategy. It influences search rankings, shapes how people perceive your brand, and often determines whether someone clicks… or keeps scrolling.

Yet we still see too many title tags that are either vague, keyword-stuffed, or designed for machines instead of humans.

Let’s fix that.

⸻

What Is a Title Tag?

The title tag is an HTML element that defines the name of a page, displayed in browser tabs, bookmarks, search results, and social previews.

Example:

<head>
<title>Example Title</title>
</head>

While it may feel technical, writing a title tag is more like writing a headline. It’s your first impression in the search results—and a critical cue for relevance.

Why It Still Matters

Title tags influence:

1. Search Engine Visibility
Keywords in your title still matter. Search engines use them to understand the page’s topic and highlight them when users search for matching terms.

2. Click-Through Rate (CTR)
Even the best content won’t get read if the title doesn’t earn the click. Your title should spark interest and clearly signal value.

3. Social Sharing
While most social platforms rely on Open Graph metadata, many still fall back on your title tag if OG tags are missing or incomplete. A strong title = stronger link previews.

 

How to Write a Better Title Tag

At SeeMe Media, we approach title tags as part of a broader SEO + user experience strategy. Here are some of the principles we use with clients:

1) Be Clear and Relevant
Avoid vague titles like “Home” or “Services.” Focus on what the user is actually looking for.

2) Use Primary Keywords Early
Front-loading keywords can help search engines and users alike. Example:
“SEO Strategy for Small Teams | SeeMe Media” works better than “SeeMe Media | Helping Teams Build SEO Strategy.”

3) Make It Compelling
Think of it as a call to action. Would you click on your own title in a sea of blue links?

4) Keep It Readable on All Devices
Google typically truncates titles after about 50–60 characters, but don’t obsess over the number. Prioritize clarity and clickability.

5) Don’t Keyword-Stuff
Write for humans. One strong, clear phrase beats five mashed together.

 

Final Checklist

When reviewing your pages:

  • Does the title match the intent of the content?
  • Does it include a focused keyword or phrase?
  • Is it written in a way that invites clicks?
  • Could it work well in both search results and social previews?

If the answer is no to any of these, it’s time for an update.

 

Want Smarter SEO?

Title tags are just one piece of your broader marketing systems. We help organizations design content strategies that align structure, search, and storytelling.